Page 67 of Journey to Love

“Jacob, are you okay?” his mom asks with concern.

He waves her off, taking a sip of water to soothe his throat. “Yeah, sorry, wrong pipe,” he manages to say before shooting me a knowing smirk.

His mom offers some advice. “Take smaller bites, dear,” she advises him, before turning back to me. “So, what do you think?” she prompts.

“I would love for Jacob to take me riding tomorrow,” I reply eagerly, trying my best to conceal my amusement at his reaction.

As we finish our meal and engage in casual conversation, Jacob's mom begins clearing the plates. "Oh, I can help if you'd like," I offer, eager to contribute.

She squeezes my hand affectionately. "Thank you, dear, but you're a guest. Maybe next time," she replies, her words filling me with warmth and a sense of belonging.

Suddenly, a cat emerges from seemingly nowhere and brushes against my leg. "Oh, um, hi there, kitty," I say tentatively. Slowly, I reach down to pet it, glancing at Jacob's mom for approval. “Can I pet it?”.

She smiles reassuringly. "Well, that's up to her, but given her demeanor, she doesn’t seem to mind," she replies. Encouraged, I crouch down and begin stroking the cat's fur. "Wow, she's really friendly," I remark, noticing the exchange of a meaningful glance between Jacob and his mom.

"What? Am I doing something wrong?" I ask, feeling a bit embarrassed. "I'm sorry, I didn't grow up with cats."

Jacob shakes his head, his smile warm and genuine. "No, you're doing great. We're just surprised because you're the only girlfriend she's ever taken a liking to. None of my exes ever won her over, no matter how hard they tried," he explains.

I'm taken aback by his revelation, my eyes widening in disbelief. "Wait, really? She didn't like any of them?" I inquire.

Jacob shakes his head again, his expression tender. "Not a single one. But she seems to have taken quite a shine to you," he remarks, his words filling me with a sense of joy and acceptance. Knowing that this perceptive creature has chosen me out of all Jacob's past partners feels like a special kind of validation.

As I bid goodnight to Jacob and his family, I make my way to the spare bedroom. As I settle into bed, a wave of gratitude washes over me. Being here, surrounded by Jacob and his loved ones, is a welcome change from the familiar routines of home in New Jersey. The dynamic is different, but in a refreshing way.

This weekend feels like a brief escape from the troubles waiting for me back home. While I know I'll eventually have to confront those challenges, for now, I choose to relish in the peace and serenity of this moment. It's a chance to recharge and gather strength for whatever lies ahead.

As I drift off to sleep, I'm filled with a sense of optimism, hopeful that this time spent with Jacob and his family will provide me with the resilience I need to face the difficulties awaiting me back home.

Chapter Thirty

Jacob

As the sun streams through my window and the roosters herald the morning with their calls, I awaken with a sense of anticipation. Today feels different, special, because Anya is here. I'm eager to spend the day with her, to make her feel cherished and valued.

Ever since she opened up to me about her past with Paul and the struggles she endured for nearly two years, I've been determined to show her just how important she is. Despite the pain she's experienced and the doubts others may have planted in her mind, I want her to know that she is beautiful and deserving of love in every way imaginable.

Anya has brought a light into my life that I never knew was missing. She has the power to uplift those around her and make everything brighter. I want to show her that her presence has made my life and the lives of those around her infinitely better.

Today, I hope to show her that despite the hardships she's faced, there is hope for a brighter future. And most importantly, I want her to know that she's not alone in this journey. I've had my fair share of relationships in the past, but none have ever made me feel the way she does. She's truly one of a kind, and I'm grateful every day to have her in my life.

With that, I make my way downstairs, making sure not to disturb Anya. She could definitely use some more rest. As I enter the kitchen, I find Marissa chatting with Mom.

"Morning," I greet them, heading towards the kitchen island.

"Morning," they chime back in unison. I reach for a piece of bacon, but Mom playfully swats my hand away. "Jacob, you know the rules," she admonishes me with a smile.

I chuckle. "Yes, ma'am," I reply. Marissa joins in the laughter. "I tried that too and got swatted," she confesses.

Mom shakes her head with a grin. "We need to wait for Anya. If you two start snacking now, there won't be enough food left for breakfast."

Marissa and I exchange a glance, then raise our hands in surrender. "Fair point," I concede. Mom isn't finished though. "If you're looking for something to do, why not lend a hand to your stepdad with the morning chores instead of picking at the breakfast food?" she suggests.

Both Marissa and I head out towards the chicken coop, the morning sunlight casting a golden hue over the farm.

“How's Anya holding up?” Marissa asks, her tone filled with concern.

“As good as she can be, I guess,” I reply, feeling a weight on my shoulders.

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